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The Senators centre has informed the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers he will not be returning to the Swiss Elite League club — at least for now — after winning the Spengler Cup with Team Canada Monday. Spezza will return to Ottawa to see if there's going to be a collective bargaining agreement in place for a shortened NHL season.

The Lakers confirmed on their website Wednesday morning that Spezza was on his way home because he's confident the league and the NHLPA are going to get an agreement in place by the Jan. 19 deadline to resume playing.

Spezza left the possibility of returning to Rapperswil-Jona open if the season is cancelled.

"If (there's no NHL), we will certainly be talking again," Spezza said on Rapperswil's website.

In 29 games with the Lakers, Spezza had nine goals and 21 assists. According to the club's website, he "gave a moving and motivational speech" to his Rapperswil teammates before packing up and leaving with his family.

Meanwhile, Senators forwards Colin Greening and Zack Smith also have left their teams in Denmark.

Spezza returning to Ottawa with Spengler gold, high hopes

The Senators centre has informed the Rapperswill-Jona Lakers he will not be returning -- at least for now -- after winning the Spengler Cup with Team Canada Monday. He will return to Ottawa to see if there's going to be a collective bargaining agreement in place for a shortened NHL season.

The Lakers confirmed on their website Wednesday morning that Spezza was on his way home because he's confident the league and the NHLPA are going to get an agreement in place by the Jan. 19 deadline to resume playing.